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The fate of Ukip’s embattled leader hangs in the balance as the party’s ruling body meets to hold a secret meeting to decide his fate.

Although Ukip’s national executive committee is expected to vote in favour of asking their membership to decide whether Henry Bolton should remain leader, the former British Army officer will warn them that such a move could destroy Ukip and force it into administration.

In a battle for his political career, Mr Bolton, 54, is expected to argue that the party cannot afford to hold another leadership contest. It has been claimed that Ukip's finances are so bad that it would struggle to pay for a fourth leadership contest in 15 months if he is sacked or forced to...